Alpine plants and water

Globally, water relations are second in importance only to temperature in shaping vegetation. To what extent does periodic shortage or overabundance of moisture availability affect alpine plants? This topic will be developed by first reconsidering the ecosystem water balance as it changes with elevation. After a short introduction to principles, the alpine plants' moisture availability will be illustrated. Responses discussed will be both physiological and anatomical. They will include stomatal responses, water potential, syndromes such as succulence and CAM, desiccation tolerance, rooting strategies and carbon isotope signals.

Lesson 14 Navigation Chart
Learning objectives Start Review test Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum Water and leaf structure Water relations of special plant types Low plant cover retains soil moisture in drylands Alpine dry lands Using lysimeters Plant cover and water loss Indirect effects Using lysimeters Low plant cover retains soil moisture in drylands Alpine dry lands Plant cover and water loss Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum Water and leaf structure Water relations of special plant types Conclusions Stable isotopes Review test Water relations of plants Soils matter The ecosystem water balance (hydrology) Learning objectives Conclusions Stable isotopes Indirect effects Water relations of plants Soils matter The ecosystem water balance (hydrology)